red slime sludge

[vortech cobra 5.0]

What can I do to rid my tank of red slime?
Since switching my lights I have it all over my liverock. I'm using RO/DI water for all my kalkwasser and H2O changes. The lights are on timmers for a total of 10 hours daily.
The stuff is starting to look really bad. I also have some on my substrate and don't know what to do. Should I start using some sort of phosphate media in my filter? Any suggestions would be gladly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andy

 

[andymi]

Have you measured your phosphates? If not that would be the first step. If the phosphates are high, then take action against them. Otherwise, If they are low I would probably reduce the amount of time your lights are on for now. How long has your tank been up? What size is it and what type of filtration system do you have, etc.
--Andy

 

[twoods71]

Along with phosphate I would also check the nitrate level.

 

[goldy222]

Many people don't agree with this technique, but it is the only thing that worked for me and I tried everything to get rid of my red slime. I purchased an additive called red slime remover and it totally rid my tank of red slime and it hasn't come back. This was on the advice of my lfs. The only issue with this is that you have to turn your skimmer off for about 1 week after adding and do about 3 or 4 30% water changes for the water to look crystal clear again. For the first time since the red slime started, I am happy with the way my tank looks. the red slime was probably introduced from the live rock I added.

 

[calvin & hobbes]

Most people think red slime is an algee. In fact it is more like a fungus type bacteria. The best way to remove it is to use FRESHWATER Maracyn. Treat for five days and only use one tablet per twenty gallons of water (Half Dose). May want to wipe your glass, rock, etc... before treating with maracyn since maracyn will kill it and the red will turn to a deadish black color. This process will not harm corals or inverts. Just remember to remove all carbon while treating with maracyn.
[ August 08, 2001: Message edited by: Calvin & Hobbes ]
[ August 08, 2001: Message edited by: Calvin & Hobbes ]

 

[burnnspy]

Check out my website under reef basics where I address red slime.
BurnNSpy

 

[dburr]

Also keep the water moving. Point it at the slime if posible, it can't get a foot hold in moving water.

 

[goober]

i used red slime remover and it worked great so thats what i would do. It has not come back yet so good luck.